Love in Truth and in Deed

Rev. Stephen E. Stults

St. Paul’s Anglican Church

2^nd Sunday in Trinity

24 June, 2020

1 John 3:18 “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”

We have talked about Love a great deal lately.  Due to current events in society, we have seen the search for love, and the total abnegation of love. Justice is demanded by many people, while others subvert justice through criminal, destructive acts.

We are seeing the wide application of blame for past historical events, based on a modern application of morality. People are being held accountable for acts done over a hundred and fifty years ago, based on their peculiar racial or ethnic demographic.

History is being erased, as certain of our society feel offended by our own past. Destruction and mayhem are considered warranted by some, to assuage their feeling of collective guilt, or hatred.

The times are truly tumultuous. On the surface, one may think, “Is society coming apart? What is happening? Is the end near?”  Meanwhile, the Christian shakes his head and says, “How does this honor God?”

That is an excellent question.  How, indeed. When the mob answers every outrage with another torched building, and public peace officers are immediately judged guilty in the court of public opinion, before due process of law, one must wonder.  When hatred and destruction is the answer for virtually every situation, egregious or not, one must wonder.

Beloved, we are not called to be this.  The apostle John tells us to love in deed and in truth.  We are called to do more than lip service to love.

We have several examples of this in this parish, thanks be to God.  Some members provide rides for other members unable to drive.  Other members donate generously to our food pantry effort, which in turn feeds another local food distribution ministry. Other members give selflessly of their time and treasure to enhance our worship environment, and to support our adoration of Almighty God. In general, we all support each other in communal worship.

For these contributions, we are all immensely grateful, to be sure.  St. Paul’s works when we do. When we do this, we are loving in deed and in truth.

On a deeper level, how do we accomplish this love for others?  We will submit to you there are several ways.  First, even though we are to love not only in words, consider this: what if we begin to love each other by NOT stating our extreme displeasure, our dislike, or utter disdain?  Sometimes, our mere silence is virtue.

Not to use the word “hatred” here, for we must strive at all costs to avoid that. It is the very antithesis of God. Yet, how hard it is!  Even righteous David said, (Psalm 139:21-22) “Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?  ²² I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.”  David was grieved by those who hate God.

So must we.  We are grieved because how tragic it is to have such hatred in one’s heart! There are those who truly hate God. Stemming from their own self-loathing, they are filled with darkness.  Whereas Christ admonished us, (Matthew 6:22-23) “If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.  ²³ But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!”  Those who are wreaking chaos and havoc in our society, under the guise of “righteous anger” are full of darkness.  Their very actions shows how far they are from the love of God. Actions do count.  When you do such things, you are not walking with God. You are following a darker, more sinister path.

What is the Christian’s response to this?  First and foremost, pray.  Pray for these people, that they may repent.  Pray for their conversion to righteousness, and for a walk with God.  Pray for peace within yourself. 

Next, support righteous public action when you can.  Vote for those officials and candidates who best support a Christian narrative and reflect what is right. Do what you can through civic action. Take action personally, as you are able.  Ask God to show you a path to service, both within your church and without. Help those in need, and have compassion on your fellow man.

Lastly, realize one thing: God is in control.  Sometimes, it seems just the opposite, as evil seems to prevail. Yet, all things work together for good for those who love God. Despite the chaos and the anarchy, there is One who crafts all things to His Will.  Not that God wills that evil will happen; God forbid.  Rather, He allows sinful men to exercise their free will, and to act as sinful men; somehow crafting even this into His Plan for the world.  We do not know why; we do not know how; but we trust in Him.  God has already showed believers how much He cares for them. That (pointing at the crucifix) should be obvious to those of us in the household of faith.

For that reason, do not let your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Do not answer hate for hate.   As much as it lies in you, love “… in deed and in truth.

To Him be all Glory, Honor, Power, and Dominion, now and forever. AMEN